The Sydney based writer Emma E.L. Young is a well known journalist and writer who has been producing novels for some time now. A series she is perhaps best known for is that of her S.T.O.R.M. series of novels, which are a collection children and Young Adult novels set firmly within the adventure and spy mold. Featuring a secret organization called S.T.O.R.M. setup by three young geniuses, each with their own respective set of skills, it follows them as they try to bring justice to the world, whilst alleviating as much pain and suffering as they can.

Collecting five novels in total, this series ran from 2007 to 2009, as it would feature a whole range of different adventure for the trio. Following on in the tradition of classic adventure and espionage novels, it brings all the fun and excitement to a younger audience. Speaking to her younger readers in a manner that they can relate to, E.L. Young really works to bring her world to life, giving the series a wholly conclusive feel.

The Infinity Code

First brought out in 2007 through the ‘Dial Books’ publishing label, this would start the series off. Introducing the characters for the first time it would also provide them with their first investigation and adventure. Showing who they are, it has fun with its premise whilst showing what the series is really all about.

Starting the series off, this brings the franchise to life, setting up its fun action adventure premise for the reader, allowing them to become truly invested in the narrative. Introducing the characters for the first time, it lays out their personalities and unique set of skills, all of which they will have at their disposal over the course of the subsequent novels to follow. Taking place internationally, this utilizes a whole variety of different locations, broadening the scope overall, giving the series a lot of space to breathe.

Formed by three of the most intelligent kids out there, the secret organization S.T.O.R.M. has been setup to tackle all the collective misery of the world by using both technology and science to alleviate everyone’s pain. Combining the efforts of inventive genius and all round loner Will, along with Andrew, a millionaire whizz-kid expert in the art of software, as well as Gaia, a brilliant teenage chemist and mysterious enigma. After uncovering a plot by a deadly scientist hellbent on creating a weapon, the three of them must put all of STORM’s resources to the test if they ever hope to stop this psychopath. Can they stop them though? Will they ever really be able to right all the wrongs of the world? What, or who, is behind the infinity code?

The Ghost Machine

Brought out not long after the first, this was also released in 2007, continuing on directly from the original. Released through the ‘Dial’ publishing outlet once again, it would continue in much the same vein as the original. Along with that it would also provide plenty of twists and turns along the way.

With the series already having been setup, this manages to take the action adventure premise forwards, allowing it to be taken in new and exciting directions. Although the characters have already been firmly established in the novel prior to this, this sees them tested even further than ever before. Not just that, but the world itself is also broadened as well, taking in even more locations, this time largely focusing on Italy and and Venice, which it really brings to life.

This time heading to Italy, the ever intrepid trio this time must contend with a series of burglaries that are taking place there, as they must find the truth about what’s really going on there. Faced with Il Fantasma: The Ghost, they must work together if they ever hope to stop them and bring them to justice, that is if they can untangle these burglaries from the web of lies surrounding them. Faced with a conspiracy involving cults, deadly robots, quantumn computers and all many of deadly foe, it appears that there’s more to this case than initially meets the eye. Will they be able to find out truth? Can they find the burgular? Who is really behind the ghost machine?

The Black Sphere

This time brought out through ‘Macmillan’s Children’s Books’, this book would carry on from where the last left off. Being the third in the series it would initially come out on 4th of January in 2008. With the characters already firmly established, it manages to provide more of the same, whilst taking the series in new and unexpected directions at the same time.

Whilst many of the themes and ideas of the original two are still present here, the series has grown, with more world-building and character development involved. Providing some backstory for the characters, as well as emotional development, it starts to provide a real sense of familiarity with the three leading protagonists, allowing the reader to feel as if they really know them. Heading off to the Swiss Alps this time, it manages to setup a whole new stage as well, giving further room to expand their arcs.

With six scientists dealing with the mysterious ‘Project FIREball’, it would now appear that five of them are dead, with one presumed missing. Wanted by both the CIA and the MI6, he is wanted by everyone it seems including an anonymous assassin, as he holds the plans to some world-changing technology. This then sees the team of S.T.O.R.M. heading out once again on the trail of David Wickett this time, as they head off to the Swiss Alps to find him. Will they be able to track him down before it’s too late though? Can they retrieve the plans safely? Who is really behind the black sphere?

The S.T.O.R.M. Series

A fun series for younger readers, this franchise incorporates a whole range of different elements into it, bringing together an extremely entertaining and fulfilling franchise. Maintaining a fast and exciting pace throughout, it really works at keeping the reader on the edge-of-their-seat, as they’re kept guessing right until the very last page. With a wide range of different adventures and escapades, this is one series that really will stand the test of time, as it stands alongside other greats of the genre for some time to come.

Jack Reacher is back! Personally I thought this was the 2nd best Reacher book yet. The latest book in the Jack Reacher series, Past Tense, came out November 5th. Family secrets come back to haunt Reacher when he decides to visit the town his father was born in. Why? Because when he visits there he finds out no-one with the last name of Reacher has ever lived there. It leaves him wondering - did his father ever live there? More Details.

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Featured Series

One of my favourite series is the Brilliance Saga by Marcus Sakey and it is our featured series of the month. It's just an incredible light sci-fi series that fans of "Dark Matter" would also enjoy. It's free on Kindle Unlimited too! More Details.

Featured Author

Our author of the month is Canadian author Opal Carew who writes erotic romance novels. Opal has written over 100 novels with multiple book series such as the Dirty Talk series and the Abducted series. If you’re a fan of erotic romance, be sure to check out Opal Carew.

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